Eagles soar past Cardinals

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo ushered in a new era with a bang, carving out a 25-23, 25-20, 35-33 win over Mapua in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championships Season 2 yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Lyann de Guzman came through with back-to-back hits in the extended third set as the Blue Eagles handed Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso, also the Philippine men’s team mentor, a winning debut in Pool D.

De Guzman finished with 14 points on 13 hits with AC Miner and Sophie Buena producing 11 points apiece for Ateneo, quarterbacked by rookie setter Katherine Cortez’s 21 excellent sets. Gena May Hora added 10 points.

Earlier, Arellano U boosted its playoff hopes with a 25-22, 17-25, 25-21, 25-17 win over Lyceum in Pool B action.